How much engine oil does my car take?

Most small cars take 3-4 litres, medium cars 4-5.5 litres, and large cars or SUVs 5-8 litres of engine oil. Always check your owner's manual for the exact capacity and correct oil specification (e.g., 5W-30, 0W-20). Overfilling can damage seals and the catalytic converter.

How much coolant does my car hold?

Typical coolant system capacities are 4-6 litres for small cars, 6-8 litres for medium cars, and 8-12 litres for large SUVs and vans. The coolant reservoir should be between the MIN and MAX marks when the engine is cold. Use the correct type of coolant for your car (check colour and specification).

What type of brake fluid should I use?

Most modern cars use DOT 4 brake fluid. Some high-performance or heavy vehicles use DOT 5.1. Never use DOT 5 (silicone-based) unless specifically required. Brake fluid is hygroscopic (absorbs moisture from the air), so it should be replaced every 2 years regardless of mileage.

How often should transmission fluid be changed?

Manual gearbox oil: every 30,000-60,000 miles. Automatic transmission fluid: every 30,000-60,000 miles (check manufacturer). Some modern automatics claim to be "sealed for life" but many specialists recommend a fluid change at 60,000-80,000 miles for longevity.

Can I mix different brands of engine oil?

You can mix oils of the same specification (e.g., two different brands of 5W-30), though it is better to stick with one brand. Never mix different viscosities (e.g., 5W-30 with 10W-40) unless topping up in an emergency. Never mix synthetic with mineral oil unless the bottle says it is compatible.

CarCalcs

Fluid Capacity Calculator — All Car Fluids

Calculate the fluid capacities for engine oil, coolant, brake fluid, transmission fluid, and washer fluid.

Engine Size

Vehicle Type

Transmission

Power Steering

Engine Oil Cost

Coolant Cost

How We Calculate This

How Capacities Are Estimated

This calculator uses typical capacities based on vehicle size and type. Exact capacities vary by make and model — always verify with your owner's manual or a dealer.

Typical Capacities

Engine oil: 3.5-8 litres depending on engine size
Coolant: 4.5-13 litres depending on vehicle
Brake fluid: 0.5-1 litre
Washer fluid: 3-6 litres
Transmission (manual): 1.5-3 litres
Transmission (auto): 6-11 litres
Power steering: 0.8-1.2 litres (hydraulic systems only)

Frequently Asked Questions

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Last updated: February 2026

All calculations are estimates. Actual figures may vary based on driving conditions, vehicle specifications, and other factors.